One thing Coach Eddie Jordan and his assistants have not had to worry about this season is getting their players to dedicate themselves to rebounding.

In fact, rebounding has been a team strength as the Washington Wizards have edged opponents by an average of 43.6 to 40.8 a game. Also, the Wizards hold a 237-202 edge in offensive rebounding.

"We haven't had to pull our hair out over it, you know: 'We aren't rebounding and we have to rebound better,' " Jordan said. "We say it anyway but your personnel usually takes care of it. If you have good rebounders, you rebound well."

Antawn Jamison (10.4), Brendan Haywood (7.6), Andray Blatche (5.1) and Antonio Daniels (3.7) are all on pace to post career-high rebounding averages and a solid teamwide approach to hitting the glass has made a difference.

Before most games, Jordan typically posts the message "all five rebound" on the dry-erase board as one of his keys to that night's game.

"I think some of it is that is the result of us paying more attention to defense," said Caron Butler, who is averaging 6.7 rebounds. "We're not leaking out as quickly because we have bodies in the paint to protect the rim and that has put us in good position to hit the boards. The other part is just being aggressive. When it comes down to it, you just have to go get the ball and we have guys who are doing that."